In most markets, BMW offers a "Luggage Compartment Package" as either optional or standard equipment on E90 and E90M3 cars. They do not offer it in the US. The package consists of different trunk liners on the right and left sides, which include some useful features. The right hand panel comes with a small cargo net, the left hand panel comes with an elastic restraint strap and also a power outlet.

My E90M3 came without iDrive or Satellite Radio, so in the process of this upgrade I also upgraded to the larger left hand side trim panel. The larger panel comes on cars with navigation and/or with the CD changer accessory. I installed this in anticipation of my dual Alpine PDX amplifier "Technic" setup. The part number for the larger left hand trim panel, with cutout for power and the elastic band strap is 51 47 7 139 439.

My stock configuration:

Start by removing the gray plastic trim on the trunk threshold. It is held in place by 4 expanding gray rivets and 2 philips screws located under small trim caps on top of the panel. The gray expanding rivets are much stronger and much more difficult to remove than the black ones, used later in this mod.

Once the threshold panel is out, remove each of the side trim pieces. Each is held in place with black expanding rivets and/or the warning triangle brackets on the left side, if you have one. The forward cargo tie-down points need to be loosened (but not removed). Use a T30 Torx driver for these. They each have a trim ring that you need to take off before the panels can come out. The inner parts of the cargo tie downs are snapped into the car, and they should stay in place while you are removing and replacing the trim parts. Once all fasteners are removed, wrestle the panels out of the car. I assume this would be much easier if you have fold-down seats.

Once removed, you will need to modify the right hand side panel. The Luggage Compartment Package comes with luggage net 51 47 7 131 152. Hold the net up to the trim panel and mark the locations of the 5 posts that will secure it. Drill out these locations and make sure the holes are precise and clean. Push the net into place, and then use wave washers to lock the 2parts together. The wave washers are very difficult to install. Use a deep socket and a hammer to push them onto the posts.

The sides of the net should be oriented straight up and down:

Wave washers installed:

Now move on to the left hand panel. The panel I ordered came with a black elastic strap alrteady installed. I didn't expect it to come with one as one part. I had ordered a separate elastic strap because I thought I needed one, and it came in gray color. Part number shown. I prefer the gray one, so I switched out the black one.

The power socket is an assembly. See below.

I built a small wire harness for the socket. In this case, I am wiring straight to the battery so I have one outlet on the car that is always hot.

I haven't connected mine to the battery yet, as I am waiting for the plug part that will work with the positive distribution terminal on top of the battery.

Re-install each panel. This can take some work, especially if you do not have fold-down rear seats. The panels are quite stiff too. Re-install cargo tie downs, expanding rivets, and the threshold panel.

I also installed these rubber "universal holders" while I had the threshold panel out. There are 2 of them that can be used to secure odd-size cargo.

Uhh, if you were answering me, my question was about the power socket. I ordered all the part numbers listed in the original post but didn't receive the actual electrical (metal) part of the power socket, just the plastic base and the door. Is the metal socket another part?

Uhh, if you were answering me, my question was about the power socket. I ordered all the part numbers listed in the original post but didn't receive the actual electrical (metal) part of the power socket, just the plastic base and the door. Is the metal socket another part?

No, I would have quoted you if so. I was responding to JonM's original post with just a little more detailed info on the net install.

Nice. I've always found your posts interesting for years now.
Is there anything like this for the E92?

Rich

I'm also looking to do this in an e92 M3. Can't find the part # for the coupe on realoem though. You can get the socket and plastic outlet cover separately, so I might just go that route and cut my stock panel. I think I'd rather just get the right one from BMW though.